No shortage of people regularly point out that the name "Obama" rhymes with "Osama," or that Barack Obama's middle name is Hussein. Does this mean he has a dangerous connection to terrorists and genocidal dictators in the Muslim world? Not likely. In fact, his name, in addition to his background in Islam, may contribute strategically to his relations with leaders in the Muslim world. For instance, Hussein is the central figure in the history of the Shi'a faith. However, Obama's apparent rejection of his father's faith in favor of Christianity may not sit well with traditional Muslims. It would be naive to assume that Obama's uniqueness as a candidate would qualify him for improving relations with Muslims, although there are ways he can make inroads.
Should Obama Talk to Enemy Leaders in the Muslim World?
Obama's plan to engage enemy leaders without preconditions, only preparation, ruffled some feathers among foreign policy leaders. Michael O'Hanlon at the Brookings Institute wrote, "It risks rewarding foreign leaders who cause the most trouble, creating perverse incentives for those desiring the attention of the U.S. It also can confuse us about the nature of diplomacy" (from Obama as Diplomat in Chief). The U.S. has a history of meetings with "unsavory" leaders, some of them successful, some not. Successful talks were usually accompanied by a strong hand or supported by a common interest.
The notion that Obama would talk to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on his first day in office is probably far-fetched, but such a meeting might conceivably take place at some point. Is this a good idea? Of course it depends on whether Ahmadinejad is re-elected, but if he is, a presidential meeting would prove futile. Not only does Ahmadinejad represent the extreme fundamentalist side of Iranian politics, he also no longer represents the interests of his own people. Instead, Obama should focus his efforts on engaging moderate and reformist leaders in Iran and restoring diplomatic relations, both formally and on the street level, with people who can connect with a president who is "like them." If a more pragmatic president is in office, Obama may consider such high level talks.
Obama and Iraq
Iraqis regard Obama with suspicion because of his promise to pull American troops out of the country and force Iraq to govern and secure itself. The Iraqi people fear the time may be too soon. Although violence has largely subsided, chaos may ensue when the U.S. leaves. No matter how calm on the surface, Iraq still boils beneath.
Obama will inevitably depart from Bush's and McCain's policies in Iraq and meet the desires of the American people for troop withdrawal. However, he must toe the line between self-interest and long-term relations with Iraq and, by association, much of the rest of the Muslim world.
What's the Difference?
Muslim leaders don't expect Republicans or Democrats to take divergent approaches to U.S. relations with the Muslim world. U.S. support for Israel will always be strong and Obama will maintain this policy. However, he has many opportunities before him to engage Muslims in meaningful and powerful ways.
Sources:
Mindy Belz. "Moving On." World Magazine Blog.
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